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JFQShe 9/19/96 11:17 AM Page 11 U.S. Atlantic Command and Unified Endeavor ’95 U.S. Navy (Kenneth J. Riley) By J O H N J. S H E E H A N T hough volumes have been written on The current environment has forced us to the lessons of the Persian Gulf War, find other ways of preparing for and responding many analysts overlook what is per- to crises around the world. Training JTFs and haps the most important point: an their component staffs to operate as coherent enemy should not give the United States and its units prior to deployment overseas is our goal. coalition partners six months to prepare for bat- ACOM has been improving the capabilities of tle. It is unlikely that an enemy will afford us as CONUS-based forces since its establishment in much time in the future to get command and 1993. In the area of field training exercises, feasi- control structures and logistics systems in place ble service exercises have been modified to en- before an attack. It is more likely that the com- compass joint mission essential tasks. We believe mander of a joint task force (JTF) and his forces that joint warfighting capabilities can be en- will have to arrive in-theater ready to fight as a hanced the most by focusing on JTF comman- joint team. How can we assure that the forces ders, components, and staffs. These command which forward supported CINCs receive can fight post exercises will incorporate the strides made in jointly? What is the most effective and efficient computer assisted exercises as well as modeling way to train JTF staffs? How can we best leverage and simulation. technology in joint training? U.S. Atlantic Com- Unified Endeavor (UE) exercises use an exist- mand (ACOM) is working on the answers to these ing three-star service component commander and and other important questions. his staff and train them to form and operate a JTF. From January to April 1995, the Army’s III Corps General John J. Sheehan, USMC, is commander in chief, was the core element for one of these exercises, U.S. Atlantic Command, and Supreme Allied Commander Unified Endeavor ’95. Atlantic. Prior to assuming his current position, he served as director for operations (J-3), Joint Staff. Winter 1995–96 / JFQ 11 Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE 3. DATES COVERED 1996 2. REPORT TYPE 00-00-1995 to 00-00-1996 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER U.S. Atlantic Command and Unified Endeavor ’95 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION National Defense University,260 Fifth Ave SW,Fort Lesley J REPORT NUMBER McNair,Washington,DC,20319 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF 18. NUMBER 19a. NAME OF ABSTRACT OF PAGES RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT b. ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE Same as 5 unclassified unclassified unclassified Report (SAR) Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 JFQShe 9/19/96 11:17 AM Page 12 n UNIFIED ENDEAVOR Background Phase IA was three days and taught commanders Unified Endeavor ’95 represented the first and principal staff members the fundamentals of ACOM developmental, simulations-based JTF staff joint operations. It ended with the opportunity to training exercise. It was divided into an academic obtain the commander’s guidance on operational training phase, an operation order (OPORD) de- concepts. Phase IB was a day-long seminar imme- velopment phase, and a plan execution phase. diately preceding phase II and was designed to re- Each phase focused on a period when JTF opera- focus principal staff planners on the exercise sce- tions are the most critical to mission success and nario and commander’s intent for the campaign. spread out to allow the commander and his staff This phase dealt with JTF formation and joint to train to task in a manageable yet realistic fash- planning procedures. Phase IC was also one day ion, given the busy world of operations tempo of seminars prior to phase III. It was designed to and commitments. refocus the entire staff on the exercise and cen- The scenario was set in Southwest Asia and tered on functional tasks and preparing staff sec- envisioned a notional JTF–780 made up of an tions and personnel for their responsibilities. Army reinforced heavy division, an Air Force rein- ACOM developed seminar outlines (lesson plans) forced composite wing, a Marine expeditionary for each seminar. force forward (MEF), a carrier battlegroup and an Phase II—OPORD Development Exercise. This amphibious ready group, and special operations phase, which lasted a week, emphasized JTF staff forces. The opposing force (OPFOR) fielded seven planning procedures and the application of joint combined arms divisions. The exercise was a dis- doctrine and JTTPs to the commander’s concept tributed training and technical success as well as of operations. Participants included the sup- a proof of principle for the joint training plan ported theater staff (U.S. Central Command) as (JTP)-driven JTF training initiative. well as the supporting CINC (ACOM), Joint Intel- ligence Center, JTF commander and staff, and Phased Training component staffs. The Chairman was the principal trainer, with the ACOM staff and JTF training The objectives of each phase of UE ’95 were team helping to meet the objectives. The senior aimed at a particular audience. Unlike some exer- observer mentored the Chairman and staff. cises, it had a goal of reducing cost in time, per- In this phase, the JTF planning staff, includ- sonnel, and operations and maintenance funds. ing component liaison teams and augmentees, as- Fundamentally, it sembled at the JTF home station to build staff UE ’95 offered focus, control, and sought to add value to procedures and working relationships. In the near training the JTF staff flexibility unattainable in large future, at the option of the JTF commander, this and supporting com- phase may be hosted at the ACOM Joint Training, scale field exercises ponent staff members. Analysis, and Simulation Center (JTASC) in Suf- Without a major de- folk, Virginia, to afford a self-contained exercise ployment of forces to environment free of daily obligations at home drive the actions of the staff, the exercise offered stations. Component planning staffs will nor- a degree of focus, control, and flexibility unat- mally remain at their home stations to reduce tainable in large scale field training exercises. Phase I—Academic Training. Seminars led by cost and retain realism. During UE ’95, the 8thAir key members of the ACOM staff were held for the Force commander deployed his JFACC planning core element of each designated JTF and compo- staff to Fort Hood. Based on the operational situa- nent staff, plus selected augmentees. This training tion, the Navy component commander remained focused on the roles of JTF commanders and their at his home station as did the commander of II staffs, staff procedures, joint planning, joint doc- Marine Expeditionary Force. This second phase trine, and joint tactics, techniques, and proce- helped in team building and in developing and dures (JTTPs) with the commander acting as prin- validating procedures. After the introduction in cipal trainer. He set the objectives and provided phase IB, the JTF staff was presented with a crisis guidance to the chief of the JTF training team situation based on a real world scenario. They (JTT), ACOM J-72, before the exercise. Then JTT then developed an OPORD, complete with sup- designed and executed training with constant porting component orders as well as a time feedback from the JTF commander. A senior ob- phased force deployment data list (TPFDL). The server (a former CINCSOC) served as mentor to JTF commander’s course of action development the JTF commander and staff which enhanced and wargaming efforts were supported by various the experience of the exercise. modeling and simulation capabilities. The com- The first phase took place over five days in pleted OPORD was reviewed by key members of the battle simulation center at Fort Hood, which all staffs and groomed for execution during the was the JTF home station. The seminars were con- next phase. ducted at the executive and action officer levels. 12 JFQ / Winter 1995–96 JFQShe 9/19/96 11:17 AM Page 13 Sheehan Rogers) Air Force (Lee E. S. U. Pollanen) Russ JBouirneta Iun,foUrEm ’9a5ti.on S. Air Force ( U. Fort Hood—site of Unified Endeavor ’95. Phase III—OPORD Execution Exercise. This Exercise Design and Support week-long phase, which was held as soon as feasi- With developmental help from the Joint ble after phase II, also included both the sup- Warfighting Center, the aggregate level simulation ported and the supporting CINC staffs, Joint In- protocol (ALSP) confederation of models replaced telligence Center, JTF commander and his staff, deployed warfighting personnel and equipment as and components. the driver for staff training in the UE ’95 phase III distributed simulation architecture The entire head- OPORD execution exercise. The distributed simu- quarters staff assem- lation architecture allowed the JTF commander as allowed commanders to take part bled at Fort Hood, well as most of his component commanders to from home stations an excellent site take part from their home stations to replicate the with the infrastruc- separation of an actual contingency and realize ture to support a ro- savings by minimizing deployments. The ALSP bust but realistic JTF headquarters environment. confederation was used because it accommodates This phase focused on execution procedures, de- two-echelon training audiences, offers a compre- cisionmaking, and applying joint doctrine and hensive intelligence package, reduces simulation JTTPs to operations. The JTF commander, ACOM cost and risk by employing existing service mod- staff, JTF training team, and senior observer els, and adds value for component participants by played the same roles as in phases I and II. Fol- making JTF training meaningful for service and lowing IC, JTF–780 executed the plan developed joint communities. in phase II in a simulations-driven wargame JTF Training Division (J-72) at ACOM, which against a “thinking” and reactive OPFOR. This has overall responsibility for the conduct of train- phase used a sophisticated confederation of ser- ing, gathers data on real world operations to pro- vice simulation models to exercise a broad range vide an after action review and discern lessons of joint warfighting skills and fully tax the train- learned for the commands involved. J-72 recently ing audience. concluded such a mission supporting the JTF in Confederation Models Used in Unified Endeavor ’95 Model Warfare Area Corps Battle Simulation (CBS) Ground Air Warfare Simulation (AWSIM) Air Research,Evaluation,and Systems Analysis (RESA) Naval Air,Surface,and Subsurface Tactical Simulation Model (TACSIM) Intelligence Electronic Warfare Simulation (JECEWSI) Joint Electronic Combat/Electronic Warfare Winter 1995–96 / JFQ 13 JFQShe 9/19/96 11:17 AM Page 14 n UNIFIED ENDEAVOR Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti. It also JTF command/principal staff level and action offi- manages joint doctrine issues for ACOM, devel- cer/NCO level) and the JTF commander’s exercise ops and promulgates ACOM JTTPs, develops JTF report. As trainers, O/Ts lead most of the academic standard operating procedures, and assists in the training seminars and provide on-the-spot train- design and evaluation of CONUS joint exercises ing throughout the exercise. Emphasis is placed and training. To this end, teams, groups, and doc- on helping JTF members get over their initial uments were developed and successfully em- growing pains in JTF operations and thereby learn ployed during UE ’95. They included: more throughout the drill. Training Teams. All three J-72 teams consist Control Group. The mission of the joint exer- of operational-level, joint warfighting subject cise control group (JECG) is to establish and main- matter experts from each service. JTF training tain a realistic operational backdrop through simu- teams (JTTs) develop, execute, and maintain the lation, role-playing, and scripts to foster and guide phase I academic training program. They also the training audience in meeting training objec- lead the design, planning, and execution of tives. Under J-72, the JECG staff is formed around phases II and III. During execution, teams are a nucleus from various ACOM directorates who augmented as needed by functional (intelligence, have first-hand knowledge of the exercise plan. logistics, public affairs, et al.) subject matter ex- Other members are drawn from those ACOM com- perts from the ACOM staff and supporting agen- ponents and supporting agencies with the subject cies. JTTs work closely with the designated JTF matter expertise needed to meet role-player and commander to tailor the basic training program controller requirements. The First Brigade, 87th Di- to meet the JTF commander’s training objectives vision (Exercises), of the Army Reserve served as and operational requirements. the UE ’95 interactive OPFOR, a professionally Observers/Trainers. In phases II and III of UE staffed, task-organized unit which can represent exercises, JTT assumes the role of the joint ob- the actual capabilities, structure, and doctrine of server/trainer (O/T) group which consists of both real world threat forces. JTT and operational analysts. As observers, O/Ts Academic Training. To date a total of 52 war- provide feedback to the JTF commander and his fighting and peace operations seminars have been staff on actions during the exercise. This is accom- developed. After evaluations of UE ’95 are com- plished mainly through after-action reviews (at pleted, the seminar outlines and graphics will be made available to all users of the Joint Electronic Library (JEL). Commands Involved in Unified Endeavor ’95 Joint Communications Support Element for UE ’95. Command Training Role Training Location U.S.Atlantic Command CINC Norfolk,Virginia III Corps CJTF Fort Hood,Texas CCDG 12 NAVFOR Portsmouth,Virginia II Marine Expeditionary Force MARFOR Camp Lejeune,North Carolina III Corps (–) RFOR Fort Hood,Texas Mallard) 8thAir Force AFFOR/JFACC Barksdale,Louisiana/Fort Hood,Texas S. SOCACOM JSOTF Fort Hood,Texas Randy 11ssttPBSriYgOadPe B,a8t7tathliDoinvision OJPPOFTOFR BFoirrmt Hinogohda,mTe,xAalasbama Air Force ( S. U. 14 JFQ / Winter 1995–96 JFQShe 9/19/96 11:17 AM Page 15 Sheehan Training Plan. The JTF headquarters mission UE ’96–2 in the summer of 1996, just as have III training plan (MTP) is developed from the univer- Corps and II MEF. sal joint task list (UJTL) which identifies tasks Value Added that a JTF headquarters may have to perform from formation of the JTF headquarters to rede- While UE ’95 could have been mounted ployment. The plan was used in UE ’95 and the more effectively and efficiently, it cost 95 percent feedback was positive. After coordination with less than Agile Provider (AP) ’94 and involved just the services and CINCs, ACOM will provide it to over 4,000 personnel, half of whom received JTF the Joint Warfighting Center for inclusion in the staff training applicable throughout the world. joint publications system. These officers and service members are just the Operating Procedures. ACOM has drafted JTF first in a cadre capable of forming the backbone headquarters standing operating procedures of any JTF. On the other hand, AP ’94 required (SOP) for joint operations. Although designed for nearly 45,000 personnel to accomplish many of the ACOM AOR, there was a deliberate effort to the same goals with little cohesive JTF staff train- make it similar to other SOPs such as EUCOM ED ing. Because of the nature of JTF missions, the 55–11. The draft was tested in UE ’95 and, like ACOM JTF training program is designed to offer the MTP, feedback was incorporated into the SOP comprehensive education across a range of to improve it prior to release. warfighting requirements. This is especially important due to the many and varied regional Future Events CINCs who ACOM supports. JTASC is a state-of-the-art simulation and The computer model let us specifically focus training center which supports the ACOM joint on several doctrinal issues, including the roles of training mission. It will contain the computer and the joint force fires coordinator (JFFC), Joint Tar- communication ca- geting Coordination Board (JTCB), and Joint Mu- UE ’95 involved just over 4,000 pacity for advanced nitions Board (JMB). For the first time we incorpo- distributed simula- rated realistic battle damage assessment and the personnel, half of whom received tion, distance learn- implications of logistics limitations in real time JTF staff training ing, and video tele- and with good fidelity. Our computer modelling conferencing with capability will improve significantly when JTASC’s ACOM components as well as for on-site com- full capacity is on-line. Eventually, the facility will puter exercises and training. JTASC will provide a offer CONUS-based and possibly even forward de- JTF commander and his staff with the means to ployed forces the full range of exercise and opera- conduct all phases of JTF training in one location tional rehearsal support for any contingency. using actual C4I facilities in exercise spaces. Dur- Finally, all the participants agreed that working a visit to JTASC, the Vice Chairman, Admiral ing together as a JTF staff against a “thinking” William Owens, noted that “For the first time, the OPFOR and under realistic conditions was the ex- JTASC will allow the commander and all the peo- ercise’s greatest benefit. Members of all services ple who support the joint task force to come to- learned from each other and confirmed the truth gether...though they were virtually participating that the American way of war today really is team together in war.” By FY97, JTASC will routinely warfare. As forces shrink and commitments in- host two JTF staff training cycles per year, conduct crease, we must take full advantage of joint train- JTF mission rehearsals to support crisis action ing to be more effective. As joint force integra- preparation, and provide simulation support for tor/trainer, ACOM will continue to leverage Tier 2 field training exercises. technology as well as develop new solutions to The Marine Corps, and specifically II MEF, training problems. was the centerpiece of UE ’96-1 in late 1995. For UE ’96-1, the MEF will provide the commander Unified Endeavor ’95 demonstrated the chal- and the core of the JTF staff for a EUCOM-based lenges as well as benefits of team warfighting. It scenario, while the 347th Wing from Moody Air pushed the envelope of joint operations in ways Force Base will stand up as the Air Force compo- that confirmed the value of doctrine and tested nent to JTF. The details of UE ’96–1 are currently concepts to improve how we will fight in the fu- under development but promise an even more ture. It focused on the actions of JTF and service challenging training period for all concerned. 8th component staff members without deploying Air Force will participate as the JTF core unit for sizeable numbers of supporting forces. UE ’95 was a major step in refining joint training and exercises and making them more effective and efficient. Only team warfare can guarantee the Na- tion’s preeminent military position. JFQ Winter 1995–96 / JFQ 15